Japanese all-male pop group Tokio will remain as special ambassadors to promote the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games despite the departure of one member for forcibly kissing a high school girl at his home in February, Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike said Friday.

Although its talent agency terminated the contract with Tatsuya Yamaguchi, 46, over the incident earlier this month, the remaining four members will continue promoting the Olympic Games flag tour, in which replicas of the official flags of the event will travel across Japan.

"They have played a big role in creating momentum for the event. I expect them to carry on," said Koike, adding that the agency Johnny & Associates have promised the remaining members will "do their best" if given the chance.

Yamaguchi admitted to the allegation and was referred to prosecutors in April, but they dropped their indictment. The girl is believed to have withdrawn her victim report after agreeing to a settlement.

Embattled former Nihon University American football top coach Masato Uchida and incumbent assistant coach Tsutomu Inoue on Wednesday denied having instructed a player of the university team to injure a rival team's quarterback. (Jiji)

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday denied he had knowledge of a veterinary school project at the center of favoritism allegations much earlier than he has previously admitted, as shown in a newly disclosed document. (Japan Today)

Eight passengers on an All Nippon Airways flight were sickened Monday at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture after smoke filled the cabin, triggering an evacuation, officials from the airline and airport said. (Japan Times)